WANGANUI RIVER STEAMSHIP COMPANY,

Wanganui Herald, Volume XX, Issue 5883, 20 April 1886, Page 2

WANGANUI RIVER STEAMSHIP COMPANY,

A meeting of the directors of the Wangonui River Steamship Company was held last night, when there were present— Messrs Willis (in the chair), Stevenson, Pollard, Murray, Peyman, Manson, and Hatrick: Mir Willis stated that the business of the meeting was to have effect given to the resolution passed at the general meeting of shareholders, It was resolved that the chairman and secretary be appointed to arrange the details of the mortgage to Mr Murray,and see the Bame carried out according to the resolution carried at the meeting of shareholders, Mr Peyman was tho only dissentient, and warned the directors against passing the resolution, as ulterior proceedings were about to be taken. He said that Capt Marshall had stated that before the boilers went into her the boat was leaking, and that he had reported the matter to the directors, Mr Murray gave the statements a flat denial, and the directors present all stated that they had never had any such report made to them, The Chairman mentioned the fact that as an aspersion had been made on him at the last meeting, he would vacate the chair, aud ask for an exproaßion of opinion from the directors as to his vercacity. — Mr Stevenson moved that Mr Manson take the ohnir ; this was seconded by Mr Murray and carried. In taking tho chair, Mr Manson all he waa glad to see the Press represented, as what had been said at the previous meet* ing had been reported, and tho result of that meeting should be similarly doalt with. The subject for consideration was whether Mr Peyman was justified in saying that the chairman's word was " not worth a rap." Tho question for them was, whether they should approve of Mr Willis's conduct in the ! past, and he should be glad to hear the directors express their opinions. Mr Stevenson, as an old director, said that having been associated with him since the formation of the Company, he could faithfully say that no one could charge Mr Willis ' with want of veracity or straightforwardness, He was under the impression that Mr Peyman had spoken exoitedly in an unguarded moment. Though they had not all thought in the same way as Mr Willis on several matters, no one could accuse him of anything approaching want of truth. He moved, that the directors approve of Mr Willis'o conduct generally throughout his tenure of office as managing director, and wish to express their confidence in him, and their dissent from the remarks made by Mr Peyman at the general meeting of shareholders on the 15th April, Mr Hatriok had great pleasure, as a new director, in seconding the resolution. Apart from the Company altogether he had held Mr Willis in great esteem as a business man, and would not* think of impugning his honesty or veracity at any time. > Mr Pollard agreed with the remarks of»Mr Hatrick, and could only say that he had put Mr Peyman's statement down to exoitementt ' Mr Murray said that generally things had gone on satisfactorily between the directors, and while he was sorry that this, as affecting MrPeyman, should go on the books, he thought they could not pass the opportunity of affirming their confidence in Mr Willis. Mr Peyman acknowledged that he had spoken hastily.' He had been annoyed on hearing a report to the effect that the boat was leaking, and that the direotors knew it but would not make it known. As to the lending of money, he had in view only the lending of sufficient for the payment'of the first bill, in order to give the direotors time to look around. They could not tell how to arrange the finances, and having thought the matter over he told Mr Stevenson in Mr Filmer's office, that he was prepared to meet the first. Mr Willis had oomo into Mr Filmer's while they were there, and they had a conversation, in whioh he repeated the offer, Mr Willis asked him what about the next bills, and he said they would have time to look round. In answer to Mr Willis, he had said he would want seourity, of course, for his money* Mr Willis Baicl that they had made arrangements with the bank for all the bills, which were more satisfactory* He (Mr Peyman), then withdrew his offer, and that was the whole matter of this " monstrous proposal. " He thought that from the colouring Mr Willis had put on it before the meeting, a slur had been cast on him, and that being the case he considered himself insulted, and would treat any man in a similar manner as he had Mr Willis. Mr Manson said that no case had been out by Mr Peyman against the veracity of Mr Willis. He did not wish to be hard on Mr Peymon, but when one oitizen made such assertions as these regarding another, some proof should be given of them- He had known Mr Willis for years, and could say that there was not a man in the community .who had a deeper^nterest in the place. As for his veracity he (Mr Manson) would take his word for anything. Mr Willis asked that the newspaper report should be produced to show at what stage of the proceedings the remark had been made, the other members considering Mr Peyman wrong as to timoi They believed the remark and " pantomime" as Mr Pollard called it occurred before the disclosure. The report being produced it was shown Mr Peyman was correct as to time. Mr Willis said that statements had been made by the Directors, and also by Mr Murray which they considered satisfactory, as to the rumorß re leaking. The vessel after having undergone several severe strains, on the stones, and near the wharf, was not reported leaky, and the first time they heard, officially of her being in that condition was when Bhe was on the stones at Athens, when the rivets burst. The Chairman read the report as to the remarks made at the general meeting. Mr Peyman said that the snapping of the fingers was in answer to Mr Willis a assertion that his was a " monstrous proposal " when made in good faith. He felt justified in retaliating. ; The Chairman said the matter must be brought to a head, if they no confidence in j Mt Willis he had better resign. Mr Peyman, in answer to a suggestion from Mr Stevenson that he withdraw the expression, replied that he would if Mr Willis would retract his sneering'remarks. In answer to Mr Willis that he wanted security on the boat, he said he of oourae wanted security, but he thought the affair only temporary, and that when the rest of the amount was raised, he would be paid off. He would be willing to retraot on the condition named. Some of those present pointed out that Mr Peyman had not contradicted Mr Willis's remarks as to the offer, and the Chairman said' " I think we are of opinion it was a monetrowa proposal," vo which Mr Peyman replied, ''If that is your opinion, keep it." After further discussion, Mr Peyman agreed to retract the remark, and Mr Willis then stated he was willing to admit that he might have spoken hastily, and have been a little unjust to Mr Peyman, The latter portion of the resolution w»s withdrawn and the motion carried. Mr Willis having resumed the chair, stated he believed that when there was water in the river there would be plenty for the boat to do. Aa things had been the best boat made in England would not have got up the river. He could assure that in the future he would use his best eflorts for the company, especially after the expression. of confidence they had passed. The meeting then went on to discuss several unimportant matters.

The Artillery Oadeta met last night in the ; Drill Hall, when Colonel Stapp had the opportunity of inspecting them. He waa greatly pleased with the appearance of the lade, and with the manner In which they went through the simple excesses given them. W. J. Carson was elected first lieutenant, and W. Johnston second lieutenant. We have to thank the author for a copy pf "The N.Z, Magistrates' Court Guide, by Judge Broad, and will after perusal give it a more lengthened notice than Is possible in this issue. The work is nicely got up and seems a handy volume for the purpose in* tended, and will be no doubt an acceptable aid to the " great unpaid " in the discharge of their onerous dutios: Messrs H. I* Jones aud Son have reoeived a large supply of samples of pioture almanacs for 1887. These contain copies of some of the works of the best masters, and are certainly amongat the fineat specimens we have seen in this line. They should have a good sale, more especially aa the use of these art' -lea seema tb be a growing practice,